This topic is about exploring user experiences with ostomy products from Marlen Manufacturing. The original poster found this company while searching for alternative ostomy products and is curious about the performance and quality of their offerings. They plan to request samples and are seeking feedback from others who have used these products.

Here are some insights and advice shared by the community:

1. Marlen Manufacturing has a long history, being founded in 1952, and is known for several innovations in ostomy products, such as the post-operative pouch and lightweight odor-proof plastic pouches.

2. They offer a variety of one-piece disposable lines, including options with different levels of convexity, and a two-piece line with unique features like the E-Z Guide Locating System.

3. The deep convex design of Marlen products is noted for its "flower-like" shape, which can be beneficial for those needing extra convex depth.

4. Marlen is a smaller U.S. company based in Ohio, considered more "low-tech" but with strengths in offering variable convexity options.

5. Users have reported varying wear times and skin tolerance. For example, one user with sensitive skin and heavy sweating found that Marlen's convex one-piece urostomy pouch extended their wear time from daily changes to 3-4 days.

6. Sampling experiences have been mixed. One user requested deep convex samples but received pouches with less dramatic convexity than expected. The materials felt flimsy but were appreciated for not having filters, which can be advantageous for colostomates needing airflow.

7. A former long-time user of Marlen products, who switched to another brand over 20 years ago, mentioned that Marlen appliances worked well in the past and have since modernized, suggesting that current products are worth trying.

8. Some users prefer other brands like Salts Healthcare but face availability issues in the U.S. The absence of filters on Marlen pouches is seen as beneficial for colostomy users, though ileostomy users might miss them.